Using the viral nature of the web to increase your influence

Blogging for Journalists

What is a blog?

• Web pages used to be static; blogging software revolutionized the web.

• A blog is chronological, easy to update, and automatically archived.

• Most blog platforms provide for tagging, keywords, and other categorizing functions.

• Bloggers can be pundits, reporters opinion writers or activists.

• Blogs provide direct links to sources and references.

• What is your favorite blog?

Choosing a Blogging Platform

• Cost: Cost shouldn't be a huge issue while considering a blog platform. – Some great fee based platforms such are TypePad or

MoveableType.– Blogger and WordPress are free!

• Expertise: What do you know about blogging and blog design? – Blogger's drag and drop templates are best for beginners.

You can also find cool free templates through Google.com– The WYSIWYG templates employed by the free platforms

make blogging a breeze for the technically challenged.– WordPress gives advanced users more control.http://www.problogger.net/archives/2006/02/15/choosing-a-blog-platform/

Create a blog in 3 easy steps:

• 2 minute video with instructionson how to starta Blogger.comblog.

Why should a journalist care?

• Are you prepared to adapt? New-Media is forcing an evolution on traditional print media

• Generally speaking, three important constituencies read blogs: influencers, other journalists and politicians.

How can blogging help you?

• Blogging allows you to cover stories left on the cutting floor.

• Blogging is a great way to connect & interact with your readership.

• Blogging is a good way to explore topic ideas or stories.

• Blogging is a good way for a local paper reporter to gain national readership.

How can blogging help you?

• Improve your writing & debating skills.• Give yourself credibility & authority on

an important issue or topic. • Get TV & Radio interview opportunities

– a chance to be influential.• Land your next great job (watch out…

this can go both ways).• Attract the attention of a book

publisher?

Making your blog a success…

• Write purposeful and consistent content. – Try to keep your writing focused.

• Keyword concentration.

– Publish with consistency.• Readers come to expect it.

– Get your facts right…or your readers will. • Trackbacks and links gives your readers a

participator role in your work.

Finding your voice:

What issue matters most to you?

Three things matter a lot to me…

1. The Latino culture and assimilation2. Education3. The value of self-responsibility

Increase your Word Power…

Create New Worlds  • Creatively use the whole quiver of

communications arrows that God has placed at our disposal and dispersal.

• YouTube• Flickr• Blogging• Podcasting

Blogging and the web is another way to tell stories and connect them to the

Greatest story…His Story.

Books you need to get!

• BLOG: Understanding the Information Reformation that’s Changing Your WorldBy Hugh Hewitt

• In, But Not Of: A Guide to Christian Ambition by Hugh Hewitt

• An Army of Davids: How Markets and Technology Empower Ordinary People to Beat Big Media, Big Government, and Other Goliaths by Glenn Reynolds

Resources:

• www.josuesierra.net Post questions, leave comments. Email me at jmsierra@josuesierra.net

• http://weblogs.about.com/od/bloggingtips/

• How to start a blogger blog (video): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bU4gXHkejMo

• http://Help.blogger.com

• Blogging and Christian Worldview: http://www.josuesierra.net/?p=209